1. A correctional institution used to detain persons who are in the lawful custody of the government (either accused persons awaiting trial or convicted persons serving a sentence)
   "The old jail was converted into a museum";
   - jailhouse, gaol [Brit], clink [informal], slammer [informal], poky [informal], pokey [informal], prison, calaboose [US, Austral, informal]

1. (law) lock up or confine, in or as in a jail
   "The suspects were jailed without trial";
   - imprison, incarcerate, lag, immure, put behind bars, jug [N. Amer, informal], gaol [Brit], put away, remand, prison [archaic]

Derived forms: jailed, jails, jailing

Type of: confine, correctional institution, detain

Encyclopedia: Jail